What happens when schools fail to protect survivors? Students lead the way.

The Walkout at Westlake High

On May 2, 2025, students at Westlake High School in Thousand Oaks, California, took a bold stand against what they describe as a pervasive culture of sexual harassment and administrative inaction. Hundreds of students walked out of their classrooms, protesting the school’s handling of sexual assault reports and demanding systemic change.

The protest was not an isolated incident but part of a broader movement where students are increasingly speaking out against institutional failures to address sexual misconduct. At Westlake High, students and parents have voiced concerns over the administration’s response to sexual assault allegations, highlighting a need for greater transparency and accountability.

This walkout serves as a reminder that when students unite and raise their voices, they can shine a light on issues that have been ignored for too long and push for meaningful reform.

Why Student Walkouts Are Powerful Tools for Change

When students at Westlake High walked out to protest sexual assault in their school, they were stepping into a long tradition of youth activism that has shaped real policy change.

Back in 2018, students across the country walked out of class to protest gun violence after the shooting in Parkland, Florida. In just one day, more than 3,000 schools joined in. It sparked national conversations and even pushed new legislation in some states. Before that? The 1968 East L.A. walkouts led by Chicano students demanding equal education. Their impact is still studied in history books today.

So why do student walkouts work?

✔️ They grab attention. Local media, social media, even school boards start paying attention when students rise up together.
✔️ They disrupt the norm. When school stops, the silence breaks. That disruption forces decision-makers to respond.
✔️ They build momentum. One protest leads to another. And soon, there’s a wave no one can ignore.

In fact, according to the National Education Policy Center, youth-led protests have seen a rise of over 200% in the past decade. From climate justice to racial equity to consent education, students are showing what happens when you stop asking for change…and start demanding it.

Because when schools ignore reports of sexual harassment or sweep abuse under the rug, walking out becomes more than a statement. It becomes survival. It becomes power.

How to Organize a Student Walkout to Protest Sexual Assault

If you’ve ever thought, “I want to do something—but where do I even start?” You’re not alone. Organizing a school walkout can feel huge. But guess what? It’s totally doable—and you don’t have to figure it out alone.

When the students at Westlake High walked out, it didn’t happen overnight. It started with a few conversations, a group chat, and a shared feeling that enough was enough. From there, they made signs, picked a date, and got their message out.

Want to plan your own walkout to protest sexual violence at school or demand stronger Title IX enforcement?

We’ve got your back.

Start here with SafeBAE’s Walkout Toolkit — it breaks everything down step by step, from finding your message to staying safe and protected during your protest.

Some quick tips:

• Pick a clear demand. Don’t just walk out—speak out. What needs to change at your school?
• Form your team. You need allies. Loop in trusted friends, classmates, or clubs that care.
• Choose your moment. Think: school board meetings, national awareness days, or a regular Tuesday when no one’s expecting it.
• Prep your message. Write a statement. Make signs. Practice what you’ll say if someone asks, “Why are you doing this?”

Know your rights. Schools can’t punish you more harshly just because it’s a protest. But you do need to understand your school’s policies. We cover this in the toolkit too.

What Happens After the Walkout?

The students at Westlake High are proof: you don’t have to be older, louder, or more “qualified” to demand better. You just have to care—and be willing to show up.

At SafeBAE, we believe the most powerful voices in the fight to end sexual violence in schools are yours. That’s why we’re not just here to post about it—we’re here to give you tools, amplify your story, and protect your right to speak up.

But the truth?? Real change takes more than one protest. Get involved!

Join Our Summer Activist Institute. Spend four days in Portland alongside peers from across the country learning to lead consent education in your school. You’ll leave with the confidence, skills, and network to build lasting change.

Start a SafeBAE Chapter at Your School. We provide exactly what you need—step-by-step guides, training materials, and ongoing mentorship—so you can launch peer-led consent workshops, bystander intervention trainings, and survivor support groups on campus.

Access Our Survivor-Created Toolkits. From lesson plans on healthy relationships to protocols for trauma-informed reporting, our free digital resources equip educators, parents, and students with the tools to believe survivors first and act safely.

Host a SafeBAE Speaker. Bring a SafeBAE expert into your classroom, community meeting, or parent night to share research-backed strategies and spark the conversations that protect young people.

Donate to Sustain Youth-Led Prevention. Your support ensures that Free programming, scholarships, and aftercare partnerships continue—so no survivor ever faces abuse alone, and every student has the chance to learn what consent really means.